🔗 Share this article

This latest setback represents another demoralizing episode in an torrid season for West Ham, amplifying serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands side to double their points tally and lift their hopes of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a win to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game even with controlling the ball, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. However, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League safety. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.